WASHING AND SHEARING SHEEP 307 



underneath, the mouth being secured with clamps. The 

 hoop is then removed, the sack lowered to the floor be- 

 neath, and the opening is sewed up with twine. A piece 

 of corn cob tied in each corner of the sack will facilitate 

 handling. 



As a rule, the aim should be to sell the wool while yet 

 on the farm or ranch. After it has gone to a storing house 

 the grower is, in a sense, powerless to treat for terms, and 

 must, therefore, virtually accept those proffered. It is a 

 great matter when the reputation of the grower is such 

 that he can sell his wool without inspection. 



Trimming the feet — Reference has already been 

 made to this question (see page 282). The necessity for 

 such trimming may arise from the following among other 

 causes: (i) The splitting or breaking of the edges of the 

 hoof, in some instances to the extent of reaching the quick 

 in the foot, the resultant pain causing lameness ; (2) the 

 turning under of the outer edges of the sole so as to in- 

 crease the difficulty in walking; (3) soreness between the 

 cleft portions of the hoof, usually spoken of as foul foot ; 

 (4) foot rot in all its phases. 



The frequency with which the foot should be 

 trimmed will be much influenced by the soil. Sheep graz- 

 ing on hard flinty soils may call for but little attention 

 of this nature. The hoofs usually wear sufficiently on 

 such soils to keep them in shape. On soft soils trimming 

 should take place once, and sometimes twice a year. Any 

 indications of lameness should call for an examination of 

 the feet. It is of special importance that the feet of show 

 sheep should be well trimmed, otherwise they cannot 

 have that ease of locomotion which they ought to have 

 in the presence of a judge. The shearing season furnishes 

 an opportune time for trimming the feet. 



The implements used in trimming the feet are a sharp 

 knife and what is known as toe clippers or toe shears. 

 The latter are used in clipping off the horny substance, 

 especially at the toes. The sheep is placed on its buttock 



